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The Pica Pau kids' team show off their medals at a Chicago jiu jitsu tournament.

Kids' Jiu Jitsu

Jiu jitsu is an engaging way to get kids in shape and grow their confidence. Our instructors have close to a decade of experience teaching kids of all ages & experience levels. Read more below about what the kids' program entails, the benefits of training, and our parent testimonials.

Youth students watch as coach Aaron Brooks teaches a gi jiu jitsu move.

Class Format & Environment

At Pica Pau, your child will learn jiu jitsu fundamentals in a fun & safe environment. Most students in the program are aged 5-15. Older kids may find the adult classes more suitable (but are welcome to try the youth classes). Kids grow & mature at different paces. If your child is outside of this age bracket, but you think they might be a good fit, you are welcome to have them try a few classes to see if it works for them.

Instruction lasts about 45-50 minutes, followed by 10-15 minutes of supervised sparring. Students are not required to spar, but most find it to be the best part of class. Parents are welcome to observe from the sidelines, but please, no coaching!

Advantages of Training Jiu Jitsu

Sharpen Core Skills

Jiu jitsu can help build a variety of life skills in children. Communication, discipline, cooperation, & focus - all of these are necessary & reinforced lessons when learning jiu jitsu and being part of a team.

Youth students spar with coach Aaron Brooks every class at Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu.

Get In Shape

Jiu jitsu will introduce your child to an active lifestyle early on. The body awareness, control, & mobility that comes with jiu jitsu practice is useful on and off the mats and will benefit them for years to come. If you're having trouble getting your kids to enjoy physical activity, jiu jitsu can be a rewarding solution.

A youth Pica Pau competitor wrestles at a Chicago jiu jitsu tournament.

Have Fun

Kids learn better when they're having fun! Competitive & cooperative games are used during class to keep students engaged, while teaching them concepts applicable to jiu jitsu. Our classes are dynamic & adaptive to the overall strengths of the children in each class. Experienced students often help out newer students, creating a positive & motivating environment for everyone.

Kids have fun after jiu jitsu class at Pica Pau.

Testimonials

We asked Pica Pau parents how their children have benefited from jiu jitsu. Here's what they had to say. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

I think it helps kids become more disciplined and respectful of others. Jiu jitsu also helped my daughter be more confident.

Sonny L.

It's a great energy outlet and gets them off the iPad.

Juan M.

[My son] learned the value of hard work and being able to maintain composure during tough times.

Carlo V.

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